Say goodbye to stress once and for all.
Recent research indicates that the Mediterranean diet offers more than just physical health benefits—it may also enhance mood and mental well-being.
According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, individuals adhering to the Mediterranean diet tend to experience lower levels of anxiety and stress. Evangeline Mantzioris, a researcher from the University of South Australia, hailed these findings as a significant endorsement for the Mediterranean diet, highlighting its potential to significantly improve stress and anxiety levels through simple lifestyle changes.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, and olive oil, while advocating for regular intake of fish and seafood. Conversely, it recommends limiting red meats, processed foods, and sugary beverages, while consuming dairy and lean proteins in moderation.
In a survey of nearly 300 Australians aged 60 and above, researchers discovered a correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and reduced levels of stress and anxiety. This association remained significant even after adjusting for other contributing factors. Furthermore, specific components of the diet, such as fruit, nuts, legumes, and limited sugary beverage consumption, were notably associated with lower stress and anxiety levels.
However, the study did not find a substantial link between the Mediterranean diet and depression.
Mantzioris underscored the importance of addressing lifestyle factors in promoting overall health and well-being, particularly in the context of an aging global population. She highlighted the Mediterranean diet as a promising dietary approach for fostering mental well-being alongside physical health, given its established role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting healthy aging.
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